7 Real Estate Facts You Should Know

There's a lot of information about real estate on the web. But even if you consider yourself the most research-savvy digital consumer of all time, you may not know everything you need to make the wisest decisions when negotiating a real estate transaction.

Here’s a quick list of things you may not already know that could put, or keep, money in your wallet while you’re in the real estate game.

Home ownership is an important way to build wealth. Home ownership isn’t for everybody. But those who step onto the home ownership ladder steadily build wealth over their lifetime.

Owning real estate can save you hundreds in taxes. When you own, you may be eligible for a slew of real estate tax deductions and credits. including state and local income and property taxes, and mortgage interest and mortgage insurance payments.

Buyers who tapped expert real estate advice were glad they did. Nearly four out of five consumers, 78%, say their agent was a very useful source of information.

Sellers were just as happy they worked with a real estate pro. Nearly nine out of 10 sellers, or 89%, wholeheartedly believe it’s important to work with an agent when selling.

Sellers who spruce up and declutter their home draw more interest. Staging a home makes a big difference in buyers’ ability to see its potential.

Sell-it-yourselfers are a dwindling crowd. The number of sellers who sold their home without a real estate pro has dropped to 8%, according to the buyer and seller study — the lowest share since this stat was first tracked in 1981.